A Houston woman is grappling with life-altering injuries after a brutal assault in late September. According to her family, the 33-year-old mother of five, known as Giovanni, was attacked with a club or bat after taking a rideshare back to her apartment on Lock Field Road in Northwest Houston. Giovanni’s family believes the assailant is someone who had been harassing her, but the suspect remains at large.

A Night Out Turns Into a Nightmare

On Sunday, September 29, Giovanni decided to take a break from her usual routine. Juggling two jobs and raising five children, she rarely has time for herself. That evening, she joined a friend at a paint-and-sip event, hoping for a relaxing night out. As the evening ended, Giovanni took a rideshare home, unaware that she was being followed. Her mother, Shamika Fortner, said Giovanni was dropped off around 9:30 p.m. near her apartment on Lock Field Road, a quiet area in Northwest Houston.

Shortly after arriving home, Giovanni called her mother in a panic, her voice shaking with fear and pain. “Mom, mom, somebody tried to beat me to death with a bat,” she said, struggling to relay the horrific incident that had just taken place. Fortner recalled her daughter’s voice as frantic and desperate.

An Ongoing Threat and Suspected Stalker

Houston police reported that Giovanni’s assailant, driving a black sedan, fled the scene after the attack. Although she did not see her attacker clearly, Giovanni and her family suspect it was a man who had been making threats against her. Fortner explained that this individual had previously harassed Giovanni after she rejected his advances, although they had no relationship and were not dating.

According to Fortner, Giovanni had previously informed her about the man’s persistent, threatening behavior, which escalated to this violent attack. The family suspects that the assailant waited for an opportunity to confront Giovanni alone and finally acted on his threats that night.

Life-Changing Injuries and a Heroic Witness

After the assault, Giovanni was left severely injured. Police and first responders arrived on the scene after being called by a witness who had found her and stayed with her until help arrived. Fortner said the family is incredibly grateful to this Good Samaritan, who ensured her daughter received immediate medical attention. “If it wasn’t for her purse, I probably would have been burying my daughter last weekend,” Fortner shared, visibly shaken as she recounted the events. She explained that Giovanni had used her purse to shield herself during the attack, a small act of self-defense that may have saved her life.

However, the assault has left Giovanni with injuries so severe that doctors have informed the family she will likely be disabled for the rest of her life. Fortner spends every day by her daughter’s side in the hospital, trying to support her through the recovery process and keeping her spirits up. She shared that as long as Giovanni maintains a positive outlook, she finds strength in that.

Family Seeks Justice and Community Support

Fortner is now calling on the community to help bring the assailant to justice. She expressed fear that her daughter may not be the first or only victim and that the individual responsible may be a threat to others. “The capture of this person needs to be top priority,” Fortner said, voicing her plea for anyone with information to come forward.

The family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover Giovanni’s extensive medical expenses, as her recovery will require long-term care and rehabilitation. The ordeal has shaken Fortner’s family and the local community, with many showing support and offering assistance.

Houston Police Investigation and Appeal to the Public

Houston police are actively investigating the case and have appealed to the public for any information on the suspect’s identity and whereabouts. They are particularly interested in speaking to witnesses who may have seen the black sedan fleeing the area around the time of the assault. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward to help ensure justice is served for Giovanni and prevent further incidents.

As the community rallies around Giovanni and her family, Fortner remains focused on her daughter’s recovery and hopes for a breakthrough in the case. While Giovanni faces a long road to recovery, her family is committed to supporting her every step of the way. The Fortner family’s primary goal is to see the suspect held accountable and to protect others from potential harm.

This tragic event has highlighted the need for awareness and protection against stalkers and individuals who pose a threat to others, especially in cases where harassment or rejection can escalate into violence. As Giovanni continues to recover, her family holds onto hope that justice will soon be served, providing some comfort as they face an uncertain future together.